Sermon: The Harvet Is Now

Sermon Date: 9/14/2025

Bible Verses:

• :John 4:27–38
• Matthew 9:36
• Ecclesiastes 11:4–6
• Matthew 11:28–30
• Matthew 10:16–26

Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-

Introduction: “What Do You See?”

This week has reminded us, once again, of the darkness in the world.

War. Injustice. Violence. Division. When we look out at the world, it’s tempting to say:

“It’s too far gone. It’s too broken. What can I do?”

But here’s the question: When Jesus looked at the world, what did He see?

“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36

Jesus saw what we see—and more. But instead of despair, He saw opportunity. He saw a harvest.

1. Jesus Saw the Harvest (John 4:27–38)

Context: Jesus had just finished a conversation that, by all cultural standards, shouldn’t have happened. A Jewish man speaking to a Samaritan woman—let alone a woman with a reputation—was scandalous. But where the world saw an outcast, Jesus saw a witness. Where others saw shame, He saw potential.

The disciples returned and were surprised, perhaps even embarrassed. They were focused on practical concerns: getting food, resting, staying out of trouble.

But Jesus was focused on the eternal mission:

“Lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” (v. 35)

Jesus saw the unseen.

While others saw obstacles, He saw opportunity. While others were distracted, He was determined. While others worried about lunch, He saw a city ready to meet God.

He knew that hearts were being stirred. The Samaritan woman had already gone back to her village and shared the news:

“Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did.” (v. 29)

This wasn’t just one woman’s transformation—this was about to become a community revival.

Jesus then says:

“One sows and another reaps… I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor.” (vv. 37–38)

He was telling the disciples: Get ready. You’re about to walk into someone else’s planting season. The harvest is here. Don’t miss it.

Key Truth:

Jesus saw brokenness and stepped in, not away. He saw harvest where others saw ruin.

Application Questions:

• Do you see the people around you the way Jesus does?
• Are your eyes lifted—or are you focused on lunch, comfort, and distraction?
• Who in your life looks like a “lost cause” to the world… but is really a harvest waiting to happen?

Sometimes the ones who seem the furthest are actually the closest to belief. But you must lift your eyes.

2. The Harvest Can’t Wait (Ecclesiastes 11:4–6)

“He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap.” (v. 4)

If you’re waiting for the perfect day to follow God… If you’re waiting for a comfortable time to step into the mission… You’ll never move.

Solomon cuts through our excuses. Just like a farmer who refuses to plant because of the weather forecast, we too can let fear, uncertainty, and inconvenience paralyze us.

• “Now’s not a good time.”
• “Maybe when I have more money.”
• “Once I’ve figured out my own issues.”
• “When the culture’s not so hostile.”

But the kingdom of God doesn't wait for clear skies.

“As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the womb of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.” (v. 5)

We don’t always understand how God works. We don’t always see the fruit right away. But our job is to sow, not to control outcomes.

“In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand…” (v. 6)

Keep planting. Keep sharing. Keep loving. Because we don’t know which seed will prosper—but God does.

Application:

Stop hesitating. If you’re always “waiting for the right moment,” you’ll never reap a harvest.

The Gospel is not just for “someday”—it’s for today.

• Start the conversation.
• Send the invitation.
• Pray the prayer.
• Serve the person.
• Speak the truth.

Illustration:

You don’t have to be an expert gardener to plant a seed—you just need to trust that the ground is ready and God will bring the growth.

Challenge Question:

What “clouds” are you watching today that keep you from sowing?

• Fear of rejection?
• Waiting for approval?
• Fear of discomfort?

Don’t let passing clouds steal your eternal harvest.

3. T